Automated cleaning system for beverage dispensing machine

US10822219B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• THE COCA-COLA COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Marc Katz · Mount Holly, US
• Arthur G. Rudick · Atlanta, US
• Samuel L. Orr · Hoschton, US
• Stan Kaplita · Sammamish, US
• James Alan Sanders · Atlanta, US
• William J. Moore · Lilburn, US
• Lindsey Jane Bozung · Smyrna, US
• Dick P. Welch · Marietta, US
• Jamal Omari Wilson · Snellville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 19, 2018
• Grant date: Nov 3, 2020
• Expiry date: Jan 19, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B67D2001/0812
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed herein that include providing a beverage dispensing machine with a cleaning system comprising a first water branch and a second water branch connected in fluid communication with a three-way valve, a cleaning supply connected in fluid communication with the second water branch via a pump, and a nozzle. The three-way valve may be operated in a “dispensing mode” to provide a flow of at least one of water and carbonated water through the first water branch and a flowpath of the three-way valve to the nozzle, and operated in a “cleaning mode” to provide a flow of a cleaner, and optionally a flow of at least one of water and carbonated water, through the second water branch and a secondary flowpath of the three-way valve to the nozzle to clean the nozzle and/or a drain of the beverage dispensing machine.