Apparatus and method for sterilizing a fluid dispensing device
US6382467B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 12, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 7, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 12, 2021 |
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 improve temperature control and cooling efficiency, the present invention preferably employs heat exchangers adjacent to the nozzle assemblies. The present invention can take the form of a multi-fluid dispensing gun having such a nozzle and heat exchanger relationship and having the pressure controlling valve as described above. To further improve control of comestible fluid temperature, the present invention preferably has an evaporator pressure regulator to control refrigerant pressure upstream of the refrigeration system compressor and a hot gas bypass valve to control refrigerant temperature.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.