Fluid dispensing device with self-cleaning nozzle and methods of use
AssigneeNestec S.A.
InventorsPeter W. Carhuff, Edward L. Dickinson, Andrew C. Harvey, Edward M. Kolvek
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention relates to a fluid or beverage dispensing device having self-cleaning dispensing nozzle. The device includes a body provided with a conduit having a first end to which a dispensing nozzle is connected, and a second end to which a fluid inlet line is intended to be connected. The device further includes a collector member that can move relative to the body between a first dispensing position in which the outlet of the nozzle is released from the collector member and a second cleaning position in which the collector member is placed in front of the nozzle outlet to collect any fluid that exits the outlet.
Claims21
A fluid dispensing device comprising:
- a self-cleaning dispensing nozzle having an outlet;
- a body having an exterior surface and being provided with a conduit having a first end to which the dispensing nozzle is connected and a second end which can receive a fluid inlet line;
- a collector member which can move relative to the body between a first dispensing position in which the nozzle outlet is released from the collector member and a second cleaning position in which the collector member can collect fluid that exits the nozzle outlet.
A method for cleaning or rinsing a dispensing nozzle of a fluid dispensing device comprising:
- the dispensing nozzle;
- a body having an exterior surface and being provided with a conduit having a first end to which the dispensing nozzle is connected and a second end which can receive a fluid inlet line;
- a collector member which can move relative to the body between a first dispensing position in which the nozzle outlet is released from the collector member and a second cleaning position, with the nozzle being initially in the dispensing position, the method comprising the steps of:
- placing the nozzle facing the collector member;
- flowing a cleaning or rinsing fluid through the conduit and nozzle;
- collecting the cleaning or rinsing fluid that exits the nozzle in the collector member;
- and
- replacing the nozzle back into the initial position.
A method for setting the temperature of a dispensing nozzle of a fluid dispensing machine comprising:
- the dispensing nozzle;
- a body having an exterior surface and being provided with a conduit having a first end to which the dispensing nozzle is connected and a second end which can receive a fluid inlet line;
- a collector member which can move relative to the body between a first dispensing position in which the nozzle outlet is released from the collector member and a second temperature setting position in which the collector member is placed in front of the nozzle outlet, with the nozzle being initially in the dispensing position, the method comprising the steps of:
- placing the nozzle facing the collector member;
- causing a temperature setting fluid to flow at a determined temperature through the conduit and nozzle;
- and
- collecting the fluid coming out of the nozzle in the collector member;
- and
- then replacing said nozzle in the initial position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.