Apparatus and method for sterilizing a fluid dispensing device
US6216918A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 10, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 10, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB67D2001/009
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Preferred embodiments of the present invention have a nozzle assembly capable of controlling pressure of comestible fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, a refrigeration system in which refrigerant pressure and temperature is controllable to enable control of comestible fluid temperature, heat exchangers connected to cool comestible fluid in the nozzles, an ultraviolet sterilization system for sterilizing locations outside and inside the system, and a hand held comestible fluid dispenser capable of cooling and selectively dispensing one of several comestible fluids supplied thereto. To provide comestible fluid at rack pressure to the nozzles in one highly preferred embodiment, each nozzle preferably has a valve movable through a number of closed positions to change pressure within the nozzle. Prior to fluid dispense, pressure at the nozzle is preferably reduced by actuating the valve through its range of closed positions. To improve temperature control and cooling efficiency, the present invention preferably employs heat exchangers adjacent to the nozzle assemblies. Due to their locations close to the nozzle assemblies, the heat exchangers generate convective recirculation through the…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.