Abstract: A container filling apparatus for topping off receiving containers that are partially filled with an initial amount of a solution of a concentrate and a diluent includes a dispenser for discharging additional concentrate into the receiving container, the dispenser being connected to a source of the concentrate. A controller is connected to the concentrate dispenser, the controller being programmed to determine the amount of the solution initially in the partially filled receiving container, and to discharge concentrate into the receiving container in an amount sufficient to provide a desired concentration of solution for a full receiving container of the solution.

Abstract: The drink liquid, such as beer, soft drink, etc., stayed in stay portion 5 of filler during the filling operation is recovered without dropping of the quality. The filler is composed of cylinder rod 4 connected to the cap 3 of container 2, discharge hole 7 longitudinally penetrated through a center of the cylinder rod 4, a stay portion 5 secured at the upper part of the periphery of cylinder rod 4, through which the drink liquid passes, and a supply pipe 6 for drink liquid connected to the stay portion 5, and characterized in that the storage equipment 12 for stayed liquid having storage room 18 is secured on supply pipe 6, and pipe 11 for introducing pressurized air is also secured. It is connected to stay portion 5 through discharge hole 7.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a gas mixture of at least two components. Oxygen, nitrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and carbon monoxide are all suitable for use as components in this method. Defined amounts of the components are dynamically mixed in order to obtain a first gas mixture at a first pressure less than 200 bar. The first gas mixture contains an intermediate amount of the second component which is less than the amount desired in the final gas mixture. A first component is then added to the first gas mixture to concomitantly dilute the second component. The addition of the first component is stopped when the pressure of the diluted gas mixture reaches a second pressure greater than both the first pressure and 170 bar, and when the diluted gas mixture contains the desired final proportion of the second component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manifold for receiving fluid tubes in a bulk compounder. In its simplest form, the manifold includes a plurality of inlets, each inlet defining an opening to a respective fluid passageway, and each passageway contains a check-valve. Included in this manifold is an outlet in fluid communication with the fluid passageways and an inlet port which is coaxial with the outlet. The coaxial inlet port contains a check-valve. Included as a part of the present invention is a cannula adapted for use with the manifold of the present invention, tube sets for use with the manifold of the present invention, and a method of minimizing error in filling a bag using a manifold in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: An automated medication preparation system according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a medication preparation station where a dosage of medication is prepared in a just-in-time manner and a holding station for storing multi-use injectable medication vials, the contents of which have been previously accessed for preparing the dosage of medication at the medication preparation station and. The medication vials are cataloged according to prescribed criteria to permit later use in preparing another dosage of medication at the medication preparation station. The system include an automated transfer device for-transferring the vial from one station to another station.

Abstract: A pressurized package containing an initial paint formulation having a neutral or clear color is prepared by mixing a propellant and a clear non-pigmented base or a clear pigmented base or a white pigmented base in a pressurizable container. This pressurized container is then sold to retail stores where tints and/or pigment dispersions are injected into the pressurized container to arrive at a matched or selected final color and sold directly to the end user.

Abstract: A loading station having a dispensing manifold for loading syringe pairs with thrombin and adhesive and clotting proteins for use as a biological adhesive. The resulting loaded syringe pairs are compatible with a variety of biological adhesive dispensers and may be used in a surgical setting.

Abstract: An automated bulk dispensing system and a method of use including selectively receiving a predetermined amount of radioactive liquid from a second container into a third container, selectively receiving a predetermined amount of nonradioactive liquid from a first container into a fourth container or directly into the third container depending on whether kits or multi-dose containers of medicine are desired. Preferably, this is for nuclear pharmaceuticals. Displacement mechanisms that are connected to the third container and fourth container are for mixing and dispensing liquid. There is at least one control valve, preferably three control valves, which are each controlled by drive mechanisms. The mixed liquid from the third container can be transferred to a recipient container. There is also a gas vent and bubble detector to eliminate bubbles with a processor that is also utilized to control the displacement mechanisms and the drive mechanisms.

Abstract: A combination gravimetric and volumetric fluid dispenser is disclosed which includes a scale linked to a controller. The controller is linked to a plurality of two stage valves which control the dispensing of large quantities of base materials. The controller is also linked to a plurality of nutating pumps which together with the controller controls the dispensing of smaller quantities of additive materials. The dispensing system disclosed is particularly useful for paints or other liquid formulations where larger quantities of base materials are added and which can be added by weight and whereby precise measurements of the larger base materials is not particularly required. However, the incorporation of nutating pumps and the addition of smaller amounts of additives by volume using the nutating pumps enables precise dispensing of the additives, such as colorants for paint. The larger containers or reservoirs of base material may be disposed at a remote location from the dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus adapted to dilute pre-measured raw chemical material. The apparatus includes a tank selectively fluidly connectable to a source of pressurized diluent by a passageway and a first pump selectively fluidly connectable to the passageway. The first pump pumps the pre-measured raw chemical material from a first container through the passageway to the tank to mix with diluent in the tank. The apparatus also includes a second pump selectively fluidly connectable to the passageway. The second pump pumps the diluted raw chemical material from the tank through the passageway to a second container.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a hand held liquid dispensing device which affords a storage capability for the device as well as affords the filling of containers and buckets. In a preferred manner the apparatus provides for the support of two dispensing devices and the filling of two containers or one container and a bucket. In another preferred manner, the apparatus provides for two supports for the dispensing device and one for a container.

Abstract: A method for creating a ready-to-use product from a concentrated form comprises providing a source of locally supplied diluent to a dispenser having a fill station, providing a container of first concentrate at a remote site, providing a first product container, identifying the container by the dispenser, placing indicia with the fill date on the first product container and filling the container with the diluent and the concentrate.

Abstract: A medicament tablet dispensing system and method dispenses any selected number of tablets, up to a maximum number, with minimal dispensing delays. During fill operations, a preset number of tablets are counted and stored in dedicated storage compartments. Dispensing operations are performed in response to dispense request commands. The fill operations are performed in a manner independent from the quantity of tablets identified by the dispense request commands. During the dispensing operations for a particular dispense request command, the preset number of tablets are emptied from one or more of the dedicated storage compartments, thereby avoiding delays associated with counting all of the dispensed tablets. Moreover, the fill operations and the dispensing operations may be performed in parallel for high-throughput dispensing applications.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an automated means for storing, dispensing and orienting injectable drug vials for a robotic application is provided and includes a plurality of automated syringe preparation stations is provided. The drug vial stores the medication that is either is either in solid form and thus needs to be reconstituted into the injectable drug or the vial can contain medication that was already been previously reconstituted and is ready for delivery to the syringe. The automated means includes a robotic vial gripper device for holding and transferring one vial from one station to a next station of the robotic application; and a detector that determines whether the vial is in a correct orientation throughout one or more stations of the robotic application.

Abstract: A mixed liquid manufacturing apparatus comprises: an information input unit, in which information of an object, to which a mixed liquid is offered, is input; a material storage system that stores a plurality of materials for a mixed liquid; a product information system that selects kinds and quantities of the stored materials on the basis of the input information of the object, to which a mixed liquid is offered; a liquid transfer unit, by which the selected materials are taken out from the material storage system; a mixing unit, in which the materials supplied from the liquid transfer unit are mixed; an injection unit, by which the mixed liquid is injected into a mixed liquid container; an input unit, by which matters being declared on a label of the mixed liquid container are input; and a label formation unit, in which the input matters are printed on the label and the label is stuck on the mixed liquid container, and wherein the label formation unit begins printing before the injection unit completes injec

Abstract: A gas storage and dispensing system, including multi-vessel arrays of gas dispensing vessels that require successive change-over to provide ongoing supply of gas to a gas-consuming process, with a pump coupled in gas flow communication with the array. The system is provided with capability for time delay auto-switchover sequencing of the switchover operation in which an endpoint limit sensing of an on-stream gas dispensing vessel is responsively followed by termination of gas flow to the pump, inactivation of the pump, autoswitching of vessels, reinitiation of gas flow to the pump and reactivation of the pump. The system minimizes the occurrence of pressure spikes at the pump outlet in response to pressure variation at the pump inlet incident to switchover of gas supply from one vessel to another in the multi-vessel array.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a cartridge having at least two compartments for storing fluid includes at least one reservoir of fluid; at least two metering pumps connected to the at least one reservoir of fluid; and at least two filling tubes connected to the at least two metering pumps, respectively; wherein each filling tube simultaneously fills one of the at least two compartments in the cartridge with the fluid. The apparatus preferably includes a puck which defines a substantially cylindrical cavity and a pin eccentrically disposed in the substantially cylindrical cavity whereby the cartridge may be inserted in the cavity in the puck and aligned by insertion of the pin of the puck in an eccentric through hole of the cartridge. A rotary screw engages the puck and positions the cartridge for sealing.

Abstract: Improved custom cosmetic formulation dispensing system including ingredients reservoirs for syringe dispensing. The ingredients reservoirs are carried by a translatable carrier to bring the respective reservoirs into dispensing alignment with a package, into which a preselected amount of the ingredient is dispensed.

Abstract: A medicament tablet dispensing system and method dispenses any selected number of tablets, up to a maximum number, without a substantial delay associated with counting all of the tablets. A preset number of tablets are counted and stored in dedicated primary chambers. Furthermore, an overflow chamber is provided for temporarily storing and then dispensing tablets which are fed to the primary chamber after the primary chambers are filled with their respective number of tablets. In addition, a direct feed channel is provided for dispensing individually counted tablets. The chambers and direct feed channel can together dispense the selected number. It is also preferable that the chambers have subchambers, and that more than one subchamber be capable of being emptied during a single dispensing operation.

Abstract: A multi-composition stick product, such as a lip balm, sun screen, deodorant, or glue stick. The multi-composition stick product including a stick composition molded in the container so as to contact the walls thereof and be advanceable or ejected therefrom. The stick composition includes a first composition and a second composition. The first and second compositions differ in at least one component, such as a medicament, colorant, fragrance, flavorant, sunscreen, preservative, conditioner, moisturizer, emollient, or surfactant. Furthermore the first and second compositions are arranged in a predetermined non-random pattern that is reproducible. Also described is the method and apparatus for manufacturing the multi-composition stick product.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a medicine feeding apparatus in which it is possible to prevent a medicine from being broken by well absorbing and reducing a kinetic energy at a time of discharging the medicine even in the case that a downsizing and a densification are promoted for making a discharge speed of the medicine higher, and it is possible to efficiently guide the medicine to an outlet portion of a hopper. Further, the medicine feeding apparatus is provided with a main body, a plurality of tablet cases receiving medicines, a chute received in the main body and through which the medicine discharged from the tablet case comes down, a hopper received in the main body, provided in correspondence to a lower side of the chute and collecting the medicines, and a filling apparatus received in the main body and filling the medicines collected by the hopper in a drug packing paper or a container.

Abstract: A process is provided for the mixing of one or more concentrates in a machine, wherein one or more concentrates and/or one or more diluents are mixed together in a mixing chamber; and the product is dispensed from said machine into a storage container. A machine is also provided for the mixing of one or more concentrates, wherein said machine comprises one or more diluent sources and one or more concentrate sources, said diluent and concentrate sources being in fluid communication with one or more mixing chambers. Further, a process is provided for the simultaneous multiple mixing and dispensing of a plurality of products employing a machine comprising one or more diluent sources and one or more concentrate sources, said diluent and concentrate sources being in fluid communication with a plurality of mixing chambers.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for blending butane with gasoline at petroleum tank farms, immediately before distribution to tanker trucks. The invention provides a method for blending gasoline and butane at a tank farm comprising: (a) drawing a gasoline stream from a tank of gasoline; (b) drawing a butane stream from a tank of butane; (c) blending the butane and gasoline streams to form a blend; and (d) dispensing the blend. The blending process can be controlled to ensure that the vapor pressure of the blended gasoline meets vapor pressure requirements of environmental regulations. Information generated by the blending process can be used to efficiently forecast butane purchasing requirements, and to generate regulatory reports.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an automated medication preparation is provided and typically involves the preparation and dispensing of drug products, whether they are in a bag, a syringe or via some other type of administration vehicle. The system includes: an automated device for delivering a prescribed unit dose of medication to a drug product container from a drug container. A label containing medication information (medication identifying indicia) is disposed about an outer surface, e.g., a circumference, of the drug container.

Abstract: A modular container filling apparatus includes a simple pilot valve which can be operated by a push button, a bottle-engaging yoke, or a manual valve at the distal end of a bucket filling hose. The modular construction of the apparatus allows a plurality of units to be mounted side by side on a modular water manifold by bayonet-type sealing connections. An anti-foam venturi and spout mixes chemicals with the water and minimizes foaming when filling a bottle. A plurality of chemicals can be selected by a rotational selector without intermixing.

Abstract: A combination gravimetric and volumetric fluid dispenser is disclosed which includes a scale linked to a controller. The controller is linked to a plurality of two stage valves which control the dispensing of large quantities of base materials. The controller is also linked to a plurality of nutating pumps which together with the controller controls the dispensing of smaller quantities of additive materials. The dispensing system disclosed is particularly useful for paints or other liquid formulations where larger quantities of base materials are added and which can be added by weight and whereby precise measurements of the larger base materials is not particularly required. However, the incorporation of nutating pumps and the addition of smaller amounts of additives by volume using the nutating pumps enables precise dispensing of the additives, such as colorants for paint. The larger containers or reservoirs of base material may be disposed at a remote location from the dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the compounding of pharmaceutical parenteral admixtures is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a computer that contains a memory for storing instructions for operating the apparatus and for controlling compounders that prepare a prescription admixture, with the memory including data relating to a plurality of the pharmaceutical components that may be transferred to prepare the prescription admixture, and data concerning the operating characteristics of the compounders that the apparatus is adapted to control. The apparatus determines the order of admixing by general rules of admixing and by categorized compatibility groups of components, so that the number of rinses that must be done are minimized.

Abstract: A container filling apparatus includes at least one source container that contains a substance and a reading mechanism capable of reading data from a data indicator on a receiving container wherein the data indicator identifies data about the receiving container. The apparatus also includes a controller that is connected to the reading mechanism. The controller is programmed to determine when a dispensing condition is satisfied. The apparatus also has a dispenser for discharging the substance into the receiving container in response to a signal from the controller. The dispensing condition can be a match between data from the data indicator and the data stored for access by the controller. The source container can also have a data indicator. The dispensing condition is then satisfied when the data from the source container data indicator matches the data from the receiving container data indicator.

Abstract: A method suitable for use in small trade stores or retail shops for assisting in providing the correct color or coating compositions mixed in the store or shop in which colorants (II) are added to a base paint (2), the base paint (2) being provided in a lidded container (I). The base paint (2) is pre dispensed in a lidded container (I), thereby avoiding the need to weigh it accurately in store thus saving time. Further time is saved by adding the colorants simultaneously to the base paint (2). The actual load (usually the combined weight of the can and the contents) is compared to the correct load stored in a database and the operator is alerted if the two fail to match.

Abstract: A gas storage and dispensing system, including multi-vessel arrays of gas dispensing vessels that require successive change-over to provide ongoing supply of gas to a gas-consuming process, with a pump coupled in gas flow communication with the array. The system is provided with capability for time delay auto-switchover sequencing of the switchover operation in which an endpoint limit sensing of an on-stream gas dispensing vessel is responsively followed by termination of gas flow to the pump, inactivation of the pump, autoswitching of vessels, reinitiation of gas flow to the pump and reactivation of the pump. The system minimizes the occurrence of pressure spikes at the pump outlet in response to pressure variation at the pump inlet incident to switchover of gas supply from one vessel to another in the multi-vessel array.

Abstract: A multi-composition stick product, such as a lip balm, sun screen, deodorant, or glue stick. The multi-composition stick product including a stick composition molded in the container so as to contact the walls thereof and be advanceable or ejected therefrom. The stick composition includes a first composition and a second composition. The first and second compositions differ in at least one component, such as a medicament, colorant, fragrance, flavorant, sunscreen, preservative, conditioner, moisturizer, emollient, or surfactant. Furthermore the first and second compositions are arranged in a predetermined non-random pattern that is reproducible. Also described is the method and apparatus for manufacturing the multi-composition stick product.

Abstract: An improved cosmetics dispensing system that includes a controller, a plurality of mutating pumps, a plurality of reservoirs of cosmetics ingredients, a plurality of nozzles, a manifold for concentrically supporting the nozzles, a turntable rotatably connected beneath the manifold wherein the turntable includes a through opening for permitting the passage of fluid from one of the nozzles through the turntable, a motor for rotating the turntable, and wherein the controller is linked to each of the mutating pumps and the motor and each pump is in fluid communication with one of the reservoirs and vice versa and each pump is connected to one of the nozzles and vice versa. The system is computer operated whereby the turntable can rotate in either of the clockwise or counterclockwise directions and the turntable is equipped with a container holder that can accommodate containers of varying sizes.

Abstract: A paint colorant dispenser for dispensing colorants into both large and small containers includes a cabinet for accommodating a plurality of color and canisters in fluid communication with a common dispense outlet. A container shelf unit is disposed in front of the cabinet and below the dispense outlet. The shelf unit includes a horizontal base disposed below the dispense outlet upon which large containers can rest. The shelf unit also includes a pivoting shelf which can pivot upward and provide a horizontal resting surface closer to the dispense outlet for smaller containers. A controller, keyboard and monitor are contained in a second modular cabinet that can be disposed on either side of the first cabinet. An additional modular cabinet can be provided for accommodating additional colorant canisters. A drip containment system is disposed in the modular shelf unit.

Abstract: A storage device for a liquid medium has a housing having an interior provided with at least one partitioning element dividing the interior into a first chamber for receiving the liquid medium and into a second chamber filled at least partially with a gas under pressure. The gas keeps the liquid medium in the first chamber under pressure. The at least one partitioning element is formed at least partially of an expandable bellows fastened pressure-tightly to a lid of the housing.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an automated medication preparation system including automated syringe preparation that involves reconstitution of the medication is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a filling station for filling a motor vehicle with gaseous fuel. The fuel is compressed, stored temporarily and expanded in the fuel tank of said vehicle. The fuel has a high water content. According to the invention, oil or an oil mixture is added in a dosed manner to said fuel.

Abstract: A medicament tablet dispensing system and method dispenses any selected number of tablets, up to a maximum number, with minimal dispensing delays. A preset number of tablets are counted and stored in dedicated chambers. During dispensing operations, the preset number of tablets are emptied from one or more of the dedicated chambers, thereby avoiding delays associated with counting all of the dispensed tablets. Furthermore, an overflow chamber is provided for temporarily storing (and subsequent dispensing) tablets which are fed to and counted by the counter after the chambers are filled with their respective number of tablets. In addition, a direct feed channel is provided for dispensing individually counted tablets. The chambers and direct feed channel can together dispense the selected number. It is also preferable that the chambers have subchambers, and that more than one subchamber be capable of being emptied during a single dispensing operation.

Abstract: A discrete object dispensing system and method dispenses any selected number of objects, up to a maximum number, without a substantial delay associated with counting all of the tablets. A preset number of objects are counted and stored in dedicated primary chambers. Furthermore, an overflow chamber is provided for temporarily storing and then dispensing tablets which are fed to the primary chamber after the primary chambers are filled with their respective number of tablets. In addition, a direct feed channel is provided for dispensing individually counted tablets. The chambers and direct feed channel can together dispense the selected number. It is also preferable that the chambers have subchambers, and that more than one subchamber be capable of being emptied during a single dispensing operation.

Abstract: A modular container filling apparatus includes a simple pilot valve which can be operated by a push button, a bottle-engaging yoke, or a manual valve at the distal end of a bucket filling hose. The modular construction of the apparatus allows a plurality of units to be mounted side by side on a modular water manifold by bayonet-type sealing connections. An anti-foam venturi and spout mixes chemicals with the water and minimizes foaming when filling a bottle. A plurality of chemicals can be selected by a rotational selector without intermixing.

Abstract: Improved custom cosmetic formulation dispensing system including ingredients reservoirs for syringe dispensing. The ingredients reservoirs are carried by a translatable carrier to bring the respective reservoirs into dispensing alignment with a package, into which a preselected amount of the ingredient is dispensed.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser for periodically dispersing a predetermined quantity of an item, such as chlorine or vitamin gel, into a liquid to be dispensed such as water or coffee.

Abstract: A pressurized dispensing system (10) for dispensing a multi-component product, comprises an outer body (11) defining a first chamber (8) constructed to contain a first component of said product; an inner container (20), disposed within said body, defining a second chamber (7) constructed to contain a second component of said product and maintain said second component separate from said first component; a dispensing head (50), in fluid communication with said first (8) and second (7) chambers, through which the product is dispensed; and a modular valve assembly (5), including a valve constructed to move between a closed position, in which said first and second chambers are sealed, and an open position, in which said first and second components flow simultaneously from said first and second chambers to said dispensing head.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating a use solution of a concentrate diluted, with a dilution rate of not more than 1:130, into a diluent flowing under pressure in a line. A normally-closed, user activatable valve is operatively coupled in the line allowing the diluent to flow in the line upon user activation. A flow regulator is operatively coupled in the line downstream of the valve, configured to maintain a constant flow rate for the diluent in the line. A constant flow rate pump having an inlet and an outlet is operatively coupled to the valve. The inlet is adapted to be operatively fluidly coupled to the concentrate. The outlet is fluidly coupled to the line downstream of the flow regulator.

Abstract: The present invention provides highly automated fluid delivery systems and related methods with significantly improved throughput relative to preexisting technologies. In particular, the invention relates to a fluid dispensing system that simultaneously produces multiple fluid mixtures on-the-fly in multiple multiwell plates. The invention also includes control system and machine software in addition to various systems and related methods for performing assorted downstream processes.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method of preparing a mixture using a computerized apparatus having a plurality of vessels, each of which is arranged on a support structure and oriented for dispensing a fluent substance through at least one exit port and a first flow channel. Each first flow channel is in further communication with a dedicated measurement assembly, for dosing fluent substance so dispensed, and a second flow channel. The apparatus also includes a receptacle support; and can further incorporate a user interface for receiving a first input concerning the mixture plus a storage device to hold instructions for locating a respective one of the second flow channels and the receptacle support in operative relation. The apparatus can further comprise titration and mixing modules; and an alternative apparatus and method can utilize a support structure having a framework moveably coupled to a sustaining member, whereby many flexible-walled vessels can be accommodated.

Abstract: An installation for filling receptacles comprises a rotary platform supporting a first filling station comprising a first feed vessel having first filling nozzles connected thereto, and at least one second filling station comprising a second feed vessel having second filling nozzles connected thereto, the second filling nozzles being adjacent to the first filling nozzles and the installation further comprising displacement members for imparting relative displacement between the receptacles and the filling nozzles.

Abstract: A glycol proportioning station that provides a deicing mixture of glycol and water to tank trucks that in turn spray the deicing mixture onto aircraft. The invention includes a remote control that is positioned where the truck is loaded and which runs in parallel with the controls on the main unit of the system. The proportioning system operates with an economy of parts by employing constant flow rates of both water and glycol. The desired percentage of glycol in the effluent is obtained by initially setting the position of one or more modulating valves provided on each of separate water and glycol lines and then employing a refractometer feedback loop to modulate the flow in one or both of the input lines. A static mixer positioned along the effluent line upstream of the in-line refractometer provides a uniform glycol-water mixture. The system provides other novel features such as a “last fill” option that prevents the system from freezing when it is not being used.

Abstract: A method and system for formulating and dispensing a chemical product to a dispense location is disclosed. The chemical product is formulated using one or more chemical concentrates. The chemical concentrates may be stored in concentrate containers and provided to a formulator by associated concentrate pumps. The concentrates are pulled from the containers through a manifold and to the formulator. The formulator discharges the chemical concentrates through a dispense hose having an outlet valve to the dispense location. The dispense location may be a jug or a drum. A flow meter connected between the formulator and the dispense hose. The flow meter monitors the component chemical concentrates flowing through the dispense hose and measures volumetric information associated with each component chemical concentrate. A flow controller analyzes the volumetric information generated by the flow meter and controls the volume of each component chemical concentrate dispensed to the dispense location.

Abstract: A system and for creating multiple mixtures is disclosed. The illustrative system described herein includes dispensing elements that are moved into alignment with various receivers (or vice versa) to deliver ingredients. In some embodiments, the system requires only one dispensing element (e.g., valve, nozzle, orifice, etc.) per ingredient dispensed, irrespective of the number of receivers in the system. In accordance with the principles of this invention, the system is operated such that a plurality of ingredients are incrementally added to the receivers. Incremental addition is performed in such a way that, from the “perspective” of the mixture being formed, the ingredients are added quasi-continuously (i.e., a near-continuous flow of an ingredient) or quasi-simultaneously (i.e., all ingredients are added at nearly the same time), or both.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a flavored beverage wherein the flavor is added in a separate step to a combination of the base ingredients of the beverage is provided. The flavor can be added to a container either before, during or after a thermally processed master batch base is hot filled into the container.