Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1996-1999
Title: Innovator Spotlight: Rickard Franke
Introduction: Rickard Franke, an inventive mind based in Dalby, SE, has made significant contributions to the field of food processing technology. With a total of five patents to his name, Franke's work focuses on enhancing the efficiency and safety of fluid transfer systems used in dairy operations.
Latest Patents: Among Franke's latest innovations are two notable patents. The first is a fill system equipped with apparatus for continuous controlled inflow. This innovative system is designed for dairy use, facilitating the distribution of pumpable food products from a storage tank to a filling machine. It features a balance tank for storing the product, ensuring a steady flow of product while largely reducing foaming issues. The balance tank communicates seamlessly with the storage tank and incorporates a level probe that monitors product levels. A programmable logic controller optimizes product flow by regulating the pump and valve mechanism based on the balance tank's levels.
The second patent is a dosing valve that includes seal failure detection. This piston-type valve is engineered with a hermetically sealed chamber behind the diaphragm, which separates the aseptic section from the mechanical one. By connecting to an external vacuum source, it maintains a constant negative pressure within the chamber. This unique design allows for immediate detection of any breaches in the diaphragm through a pressure sensor, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
Career Highlights: Rickard Franke is currently an inventor at Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A., a prestigious company specializing in the processing and packaging of food. His expertise in fluid dynamics and control systems has made him an integral part of the innovation team, where he consistently contributes to advancing dairy processing technologies.
Collaborations: Throughout his career, Franke has collaborated with skilled professionals, including his coworkers Per Brandstrom and Yutaka Kaneko. Together, they work to develop forward-thinking solutions that not only enhance product quality but also improve operational efficiency in the food industry.
Conclusion: Rickard Franke's innovative spirit and technical expertise demonstrate the impactful role inventors play in advancing technology in the food processing sector. With his latest patents and ongoing contributions at Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A., Franke continues to set new standards in the industry, ensuring the safe and efficient distribution of food products. His inventions hold the promise of transforming dairy operations and enhancing product safety for consumers globally.