Evacuation system

Abstract

An evacuation system including an evacuation member engages a product package and applies pressure thereto, such that a product in the product package moves toward an outlet in the product package for dispensing. A controller monitors the force applied by a driver to the product package, thereby ensuring that the pressure remains below a particular threshold to protect the integrity of the product package. The controller further monitors the evacuation member location, thereby enabling the controller to recognize when the product package is empty. The evacuation system further includes a package carrier including a pinch-off area that moves product out of an unrecoverable portion of the product package. The evacuation member may be utilized as a stand-alone device or with a primary device, wherein the primary device provides signals to the evacuation system and the evacuation system provides product to the primary device.

1 - 37 . (canceled)  
   
   
       38 . A product dispensing system, comprising: 
 a primary device; and    an evacuation system in fluid and control communication with the primary device, such that the primary device provides control signals to the evacuation system to commence a dispensing routine, and further wherein the evacuation system conducts the dispensing routine for delivery of product to the primary device.    
   
   
       39 . The product dispensing system according to  claim 38 , wherein the primary device is a pizza sauce applicator.  
   
   
       40 . The product dispensing system according to  claim 38 , wherein the evacuation system comprises an evacuation member that engages a product package disposed within the evacuation system, and further wherein the evacuation member applies pressure to the product package, such that a product in the product package moves toward an outlet for dispensing.  
   
   
       41 . The product dispensing system according to  claim 40 , further comprising: 
 a valve disposed at the outlet of the product package to regulate the flow therefrom.    
   
   
       42 . The product dispensing system according to  claim 40 , wherein a pump is coupled to the product package for evacuating the product from the package.  
   
   
       43 . The product dispensing system according to  claim 40 , wherein the evacuation system further comprises a driver to move the evacuation member.  
   
   
       44 . The product dispensing system according to  claim 40 , wherein a controller opens the valve and drives the driver for a predetermined period, thereby dispensing product from the package.  
   
   
       45 . The product dispensing system according to  claim 44 , wherein the controller monitors the voltage applied to the driver, thereby deducing the forces applied to the product package.  
   
   
       46 . The product dispensing system according to  claim 44 , wherein the controller operates the evacuation member to preload the package.  
   
   
       47 . The product dispensing system according to  claim 44 , wherein the controller maintains the force applied to the product package by the evacuation member below a maximum threshold to ensure that the product package does not rupture.  
   
   
       48 - 49 . (canceled)