With Cleaning Means Patents (Class 222/148)
  • Patent number: 8118944
    Abstract: A pills counting device is provided. It comprises a tray comprising a base member and a trough member. The device also comprises a lid member mounted on the base member and being movable between two extreme positions. The device also comprises at least one port provided in the tray and/or in the lid member and adapted to be connected in fluid communication with the base member and with an air intake of a vacuum device that can be remotely controlled. When a vacuum is applied to the at least one port, an air stream is established to entrain toward the vacuum device particles that may be present on surfaces of the device. A cleaning method using the aforesaid pills counting device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Cleancount Incorporated
    Inventors: Brent Fay, Michael Jarvis
  • Patent number: 8109228
    Abstract: A cartridge changer (41) is composed of a swing arm (48) with a cartridge gripper (48B) for gripping a paint cartridge (24), and an arcuate moving portion (46) for putting the swing arm (48) in swinging movements in a horizontal plane. The cartridge changer (41) is adapted to pick up a replenished paint cartridge (24) on the mount deck (42) by the cartridge gripper (48B) and transfer the swing arm (48) to a changing position “O” by the arcuate moving portion (46). By the operation, a used paint cartridge (24?) will be replaced by the replenished paint cartridge (24) between the mount deck (42) and a common body (15) which is located in the changing position “O” of the atomizing head changing and washing device (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: ABB K.K.
    Inventors: Tokuo Umezawa, Hidetsugu Matsuda, Masaharu Kuromoto, Yutaka Sakata
  • Publication number: 20120018452
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel device for producing and dispensing different beverages, which are mixed from milk and different flavoring agents. For this purpose, a mixing chamber (3) having a milk feed line (2) and a line (8) for discharging the milk-flavoring agent mixture is provided. The device further has at least one reservoir (5) for receiving the flavoring agent (S2, S2, S3, Sn), wherein each reservoir (5) is connected with a supply line (7) via a metering device or delivery pump (4) and a feed line (6) to the mixing chamber (3) of each flavoring agent (S1, S2, S3, Sn) such that the flavoring agent (S1 . . . Sn), which can be delivered into the mixing chamber (3) in a metered manner by means of the delivery pump (4), can be mixed therein with the milk, wherein the mixed beverage can be dispensed via the dispensing line (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: EGRO COFFEE SYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Markus Anliker, Markus Landolt
  • Publication number: 20120012615
    Abstract: The cartridge contains a storage container for the filler material with a first piston arranged in the storage container by means of which the filler material can be dispensed through an outlet passage. A second piston is arranged in the storage container in spaced relation to the first piston to contain a flushing fluid therebetween. A flushing element is provided near the outlet passage by means of which the flushing fluid can be conducted past the first piston into the outlet passage at the end of a dispensing procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Sasan Habibi-Naini
  • Publication number: 20120000931
    Abstract: A method for dispensing a plurality of metered doses of a fluid, comprising: providing a fluid in a container comprising a plurality of metering chambers and a plurality of tubes connectable to and movable relative to the chambers, wherein the tubes are externally open or open to the fluid; connecting to the chambers tubes open to the fluid, thereby loading the chambers with fluid; and selectively connecting one or more externally open tubes to one or more chambers, thereby dispensing the fluid contents of the one or more chambers via an external opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Oz Cabiri, Rodrigo Yelin, Ella Zlatkis, Eran Eilat
  • Patent number: 8079230
    Abstract: A food dispensing machine includes a product chamber with a dispensing valve connected to the product chamber and having an outlet through which a product contained in the product chamber is dispensed. The product chamber has a cleaning solution inlet connectable to a cleaning solution supply source for receiving cleaning solution into the product chamber. The product chamber further has an ingredient inlet alternatively connectable to either an ingredient supply source or the dispensing valve outlet. When the ingredient inlet is connected to the dispensing valve outlet, a re-circulating flow path is created, allowing for complete cleaning and sanitizing of the product flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: FBD Partnership, LP
    Inventors: Jimmy I. Frank, Thomas L. Guy, Kristan L. Dawson, Raymond A. Glatt, Richard E. Frankenberger, Carl R. Martin, Craig Cloud
  • Publication number: 20110278323
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for packaging and dispensing a generally liquid or viscous product, including a container for containing the product to be packaged and dispensed in the form of clean or sterile calibrated doses or drops using a dispensing accessory including a tip, wherein the assembly of the container and the accessory includes an additional flexible and deformable chamber actuated simultaneously with the accessory and capable of either sucking the residual drop at the end of said accessory after dispensing a calibrated dose or drop, or of blowing said calibrated dose or drop without permitting the formation of a residual drop. The invention can be used for packaging and dispensing clean or sterile products, in particular doses or drops in the field of ophthalmology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: Sivel
    Inventors: Jacques Pozzi, Pierre Roy
  • Publication number: 20110253730
    Abstract: A food processing vat is provided with a vent that can be automatically cleaned in place, without requiring manual cleaning by a technician or removal of the vent from the vat. A nozzle is mounted to at least one of the vent and the vat and has an opening(s) that is posited with respect to the vent to direct cleaning fluid into the vent. The vent may include a canister that concentrically surrounds at least a portion of a vent tube that is fluidly connected to the vat, which collects cleaning fluid and/or condensate from gas that enters or exits the vat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Timothy J. Isenberg, John E. Zirbel
  • Patent number: 8033430
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a flowable product at or above a preset elevated temperature through a dispensing outlet. Such an apparatus includes a pot in which to house the product. The dispensing apparatus also includes a pump coupled between the pot and the dispensing outlet to pump the flowable product from the pot to the dispensing outlet. A rope heater configured to heat the pot may also be included in the dispensing apparatus. The pot may have a movable lid, which may vacuum seal the product against the exterior environment. The lid is designed to scrape any food product residue off the vertical walls of the pot, while also maintaining the vacuum as it moves into the pot. The pot may have a check valve to prevent product spilling when the pot is lifted out of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventors: Juha K. Salmela, James M. Tuyls, Darrell D. Pickens
  • Publication number: 20110210141
    Abstract: Methods and systems for the dosed dispensing of a liquid from a container connected to an outflow channel closable by a liquid valve are presented. Such methods include opening the liquid valve, dispensing a measure of liquid from the container through the outflow channel, closing the liquid valve, and blowing out the outflow channel after closing the liquid valve. For example, during or after closing of the liquid valve the outflow channel can be connected to a gaseous source, the gas at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. Or, for example, where Flair™ technology is used, a limited quantity of a displacing gas can be guided to the outflow channel during or after closing of the liquid valve, or can be guided into an intermediate chamber connected to the outflow channel during or after closing of the liquid valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: Dispensing Technologies B.V.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Johannes Joseph Maas, Petrus Lambertus Wilhelmus Hurkmans
  • Patent number: 8006868
    Abstract: A valve actuator for a valved container containing a pressurized fluid, the actuator comprising a mounting to attach the actuator to the container, and characterized by a post-expansion chamber in communication with the outlet of the actuator in which residual fluid remaining in the outlet after use can expand, and a separate suction chamber in communication with the outlet conduit via a suction opening to suck residual fluid back toward the expansion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Christoph Geiberger, Hans Kraemer
  • Publication number: 20110204092
    Abstract: A connector apparatus is provided which is configured to replace a separation module in a system for dispensing a fluid. When it is desired to purge the system of a dispensed fluid, the connector apparatus, having the same configuration of an inlet and an outlet as the separation module, replaces the separation module and a purging fluid is passed through the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: J. Karl Niermeyer, Jeffrey M. Campbell
  • Patent number: 8002900
    Abstract: A method and apparatus 30 are provided for cleaning of bottle filling equipment 10 that has a plurality of elevated valves 18, each valve being in flow communication with filling liquid supply means 14. The method includes storing a manifold 32 that has a plurality of cleaning openings 42 in a configuration resembling that of the valves, in a position that allows clear visibility and access to the operation of the valves. The manifold 32 is lowered relative to the valves 18, so that it is below the valves and is positioned underneath the valves, with each cleaning opening 42 in flow communication with a valve. The valves 18 are rinsed with liquid flowing through the filling liquid supply 14, the valves and the manifold 32. Afterwards, the manifold 32 is removed from the valves 18 and returned to its stored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Etienne Le Roux
  • Patent number: 7993468
    Abstract: A method for altering an initiation time of an apparatus sanitation cycle based upon a base line flow rate. The method may include determining an actual flow rate through the apparatus, comparing the actual flow rate to the base line flow rate, and delaying the initiation time of the apparatus sanitation cycle if the actual flow rate exceeds the base line flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: Richard C. Staten
  • Publication number: 20110186600
    Abstract: A method and a system of cleaning and flushing a beverage dispensing system comprising a sealable pressure chamber for receiving a collapsible keg containing a beverage and a dispensing valve, comprises: providing a first cartridge containing a cleaning fluid, positioning the first cartridge in the pressure chamber and pressurising the pressure chamber, opening the dispensing valve and dispensing the cleaning fluid from the dispensing valve, and causing the cleaning fluid to flow from the first cartridge through the dispensing line and being dispensed from the dispensing valve, disconnecting the first cartridge after the emptying of the cleaning fluid from the first cartridge, and removing the first cartridge, providing a second cartridge containing a flushing fluid, positioning the second cartridge in the pressure chamber and pressurising the pressure chamber, and repeating the steps (iii)-(v) while using the second cartridge instead of the first cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: CARLSBERG BREWERIES A/S
    Inventors: Jan Norager Rasmussen, Steen Vesborg
  • Patent number: 7984828
    Abstract: The invention is directed to semi-solid food product metering devices that typically have two counter rotating feed rollers with ends to entrain the semi-solid food product and has an at least one actuating device. The two feed rollers have two roller end plates at each end of the feed rollers, one being at a distal end of the rollers and the other at a proximal end of the rollers relative to the at least one actuating device with an at least one support bar. The feed rollers make a positive seal with the end plates. The semi-solid food product metering device of the invention has an open position and an operating position where the at least one support bar supports the two roller end plates in position while in the operating position and operating the semi-solid food product metering device, and allowing for lateral movement of the end plates away from the ends of the feed rollers to allow access to the gap between the feed roller ends and the roller end plates in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Norman G. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7975645
    Abstract: A common body (15) of a coater unit (14) is mounted on a robot device (13). A common body gripper (33) is fixedly mounted on a fixed plate (32) of an atomizing head changing and washing device (31). At the time of replacing a used atomizing head (19?) and a used paint cartridge (24?) by a washed atomizing head (19) and a replenished paint cartridge (24), respectively, the common body (15) is gripped and located in a predetermined position by the common body gripper (33). When the common body (15) is gripped by the common body gripper (33), the robot device (13) is put in a reduced power mode attenuating driving forces to leave said common body (15) in a freely movable state by application of an external force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: ABB K.K.
    Inventors: Tokuo Umezawa, Hidetsugu Matsuda, Masaharu Kuromoto, Yutaka Sakata
  • Patent number: 7954673
    Abstract: A dispensing system for a plural component mixture including a first operator held container and separate flexible containers placed within the first container. Conduits coupled between the second containers and a dispensing device. The dispensing device includes a passageway and a valve for each respective component. An actuator controls the valves. A second valve is coupled in the conduits between the components' sources and the dispensing device. The second valve includes an inlet port for each component, an equal number of outlet ports, and an inlet port for flushing the plural components from at least portions of their respective conduits. The second valve has a first state where each inlet port is coupled to an outlet port and a second state where the inlet port for flushing material from the conduits and the mixed plural components is coupled to the outlet ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Kosmyna, Ralph Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 7942344
    Abstract: A device to prevent the exsiccation of fluid products in a delivery head of a dispensing machine for said fluid products. The device comprises a first element able to generate a flow of air mixed with steam or with at least a solvent, and a second element able to convey the flow towards a zone underneath the delivery nozzles of the delivery head and to create in said zone a determinate atmosphere, different from the atmosphere in the environment where the dispensing machine is to be found during use. The device also comprises detection elements arranged in proximity with the delivery head and able to detect one or more significant parameters of said determinate atmosphere, and a regulation circuit able to regulate one or more characteristics of said flow according to the values detected by the detection elements in order to maintain the significant parameters of the determinate atmosphere within a set of pre-determined values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: CPS Color Equipment SpA Con Unico Socio
    Inventor: Emanuele Morselli
  • Patent number: 7922040
    Abstract: A device and method of clearing non-fluid caulk from a caulk dispensing tube includes drilling a bit member through a thread cleaning device and into the solid caulk blocking the dispensing tube; then removing the bit member from the dispensing tube and reversing the rotational direction of the bit member, allowing the thread cleaning device to clear caulk off of the bit member after it has been removed from the dispensing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Hank E. Pierson
  • Patent number: 7919042
    Abstract: Methods and systems for programmed dispensation of consumable compositions are provided. A method for sterilizing a beverage container may comprise: (a) detecting a sterilization status of a beverage container; and (b) controlling functionality of a controllable device according to the sterilization status. A system for sterilizing a beverage container may comprise: (a) detecting a sterilization status of a beverage container; and (b) controlling functionality of a controllable device according to the sterilization status. A method for sterilizing a beverage container may comprise: (a) detecting an identity of a consumable composition; and (b) controlling a sterilization of at least a portion of a beverage container according to the identity of the consumable composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Robert W. Lord, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110073618
    Abstract: An apparatus for and method of cleaning and sanitizing a beverage dispenser is characterized by fluid connectors that may quickly and conveniently be manually fluid coupled with either supplies of beverage components to be delivered through flow paths to beverage dispensing valves or with a source of cleaning and sanitizing fluid to be delivered through the flow paths to the beverage dispensing valves to clean and sanitize the flow paths and dispensing valves. The beverage component supplies have valves with which the fluid connectors fluid couple, and a manifold has an inlet port for receiving cleaning and sanitizing fluid and outlet ports that are each located in proximity to an associated beverage component supply valve and with which the fluid connectors may be fluid coupled after being de-coupled from their associated beverage component supply valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Douglas Anderson, Karl M. Bogacz, Peter S. Tinucci, N. Sudhir Kumar, Ramakrishnan Anoop
  • Publication number: 20110049187
    Abstract: A device for preparing drinks, in particular, cooled drinks. Also disclosed is a multi-way coupling for use in a device for cooling drinks and a method for cleaning a device for preparing drinks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: TOECA INTERNATIONAL COMPANY B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Martinus Jacobus Johannes Boekhoorn, Maarten Arns, Harry Schippers
  • Publication number: 20110041875
    Abstract: A medicine ejecting device 1 having a medicine ejecting section 2 is mounted to a cleaning device 12. Then, the cap section 16 and the cleaning liquid feeding section 17 of the cleaning device 12 are connected respectively to the medicine ejecting section 2 and the cleaning liquid injecting section 5 of the medicine ejecting device 1. Cleaning liquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid storing section 13 of the cleaning device 12 to the cleaning liquid injecting section 5 and introduced into the medicine ejecting section 2 by way of a three-way changeover valve 8 by means of a cleaning liquid feeding pump 19. After the cleaning operation, the waste liquid is collected from the medicine ejecting section 2 to the waste liquid collecting section 14 by way of the cap section 16 of the cleaning device 12.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Araki
  • Publication number: 20110042417
    Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning a water supply apparatus includes a cleaning agent vessel containing a cleaning agent that is supplied to the water supply apparatus. The water supply apparatus has a recirculation circuit for recirculating water within the water supply apparatus. The recirculation circuit is controlled by a first control unit. The cleaning system also includes a cleaning system control unit configured to cause recirculation of the supplied cleaning agent through the recirculation circuit of the water supply apparatus by controlling the first control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Arie Kroon
  • Publication number: 20110031275
    Abstract: A product dispensing system is provided. The product dispensing system includes a dispensing device and a sealing assembly. The dispensing device is configured and arranged to pass product out of a dispensing orifice in the product dispensing system. The sealing assembly is configured and arranged to wipe and seal the dispensing orifice to prevent exposure of unused product with ambient air when the product dispensing system is not dispensing product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Ryan D. Lucey, Anthony L. Kramer, Paul R. Kraus, Richard J. Mehus, Sherri L. Tischler, Mihnea A. Popa, Brian P. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20110006079
    Abstract: A frozen beverage freezer machine is provided with two side-by-side freezer cylinders containing different flowable frozen beverage products. Draw valves are provided to draw the beverages separately for dispensing separately from the two beverage freezer cylinders. An additional draw valve, generally centered relative to the freezer cylinders, is provided to draw beverages from the two cylinders simultaneously for dispensing a mix of the two beverages. Clog breaker blades are coupled to the center draw valve assembly to inhibit clogging of passageways from the frozen beverage cylinders to the center valve, to facilitate reliable flow and mixing of the two beverages when the center valve is opened to dispense the mix into a user's receiver cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Sean A. McKay, James A. Quandt
  • Publication number: 20100318225
    Abstract: A controller and method of controlling an integrated beverage blending system comprising: a controller for menu selection; an ice portion control module; an ingredient module; a dispensing apparatus in communication with the ice portion control module and the ingredient module, wherein the ice and the ingredient are dispensed into a beverage container via the dispensing apparatus; and at least one blender/mixer/cleaner module which blends and/or mixes the ice and the ingredient in the beverage container, thereby producing the beverage; wherein, upon removal of the beverage container from the blender/mixer/cleaner module, the blender/mixer/cleaner module initiates a cleaning mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Jan Claesson, William E. Smith, Roberto Nevarez
  • Patent number: 7849969
    Abstract: The machine tool lubrication device comprises connection means grippable automatically by a manipulator of the machine tool, lubricant dispensing means, and dispensing control means operable by the machine tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Dropsa S.p.A.
    Inventor: Walter Divisi
  • Publication number: 20100301069
    Abstract: In general, a piston-type pump includes a wash flow path that allows a wash liquid such as water to pass through to provide washing and cleaning as the pump operates. The pump may be used in precision liquid dispensing systems and particularly with liquid solutions that have a tendency to precipitate solid particulate. By washing a portion of the pump piston, the liquid solution being dispensed and any solid particulates may be carried away and removed from the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: IVEK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Douglas S. Bensley
  • Publication number: 20100300299
    Abstract: Dispensing device for preparing and dispensing food and/or nutritional composition comprising: a water circuit for transporting water, a water heater, an injection head (4) comprising an injection intruding part (25, 38) for injecting water in a capsule comprising the food and/or nutritional ingredient; a capsule holder (17) for holding the capsule during injection of water in the capsule, wherein the injection head and capsule holder are moveable relatively one another for approaching the capsule surface to the injection head and injecting water in the capsule, wherein it also comprises a cleaning and/or sanitizing means (13) which can be associated to the injection system for enabling hot water and/or steam to clean and/or sanitize the external surface of the injection intruding part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Yann Epars, Antoine Ryser
  • Publication number: 20100258586
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accurately and repeatably depositing edible particulates on edible products. A dual-drum rotary feed system accurately meters an amount of edible particle for each edible product with a first rotary drum while a second rotary drum deposits the edible particulates onto or within the edible product. The dual-drum rotary feeder can comprise replaceable drums wherein drums can be quickly removed and replaced for cleaning, sanitization and to adjust processing conditions such as, for example, changes in production rates and/or product size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Lisa Jo Ryan, Peter A. Huberg, Gary O. Bendickson, Joana A. Montenegro
  • Publication number: 20100242497
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing beverages. The apparatus comprises a dispensing system, a mixing unit, and a control unit comprising a user interface, which interact to prepare a particular beverage when requested by a user. When the control unit receives user input requesting the particular beverage via the user interface, it causes the dispensing system to dispense various ingredients (e.g., fragmented ice, water, flavoring ingredients, milk product) that are mixed by the mixing unit in order to prepare the particular beverage, which is served in a cup. In various embodiments, the apparatus may produce frozen beverages that include fragmented ice (e.g., shaved or crushed ice) as one of their ingredients, such as slush beverages and smoothie beverages, and/or hot beverages that include heated water as one of their ingredients, such as coffee and flavored coffee beverages (e.g., French Vanilla, Mocha, etc.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Claudio Bertone
  • Publication number: 20100243676
    Abstract: Tapping device for beverage, comprising at least one beverage container, a tapping line and a tapping cock, wherein the tapping line extends at least to adjacent the tapping cock and connecting means for connection of the tapping line to the at least one beverage container, wherein a cleaning element is provided in the beverage container or the connecting means, which cleaning element upon broaching of a beverage container is situated near an end of the tapping line proximal to the beverage container and is movable through the tapping line under pressure of beverage from the beverage container, while abutting against an inner side of the tapping line, such that beverage will propel the cleaning element in the tapping line, at least to near the tapping cock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: HEINEKEN SUPPLY CHAIN B.V.
    Inventors: Bart Jan Bax, Helmut Paulitsch, Ernst Jan Folkert Van Der Wal, Antonius Maurits Willemen
  • Patent number: 7798168
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for dispensing a gas using a gas source coupled in selective flow relationship with a gas manifold. The gas manifold includes flow circuitry for discharging gas to a gas-using zone, and the gas source includes a pressure-regulated gas source vessel containing the gas at superatmospheric pressure. The pressure-regulated gas source vessel can be arranged with a pressure regulator at or within the vessel and a flow control valve coupled in flow relationship to the vessel, so that gas dispensed from the vessel flows through the regulator prior to flow through the flow control valve, and into the gas manifold. The apparatus and method permit an enhancement of the safety of storage and dispensing of toxic or otherwise hazardous gases used in semiconductor processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Karl Olander, Matthew B. Donatucci, Luping Wang, Michael J. Wodjenski
  • Publication number: 20100219204
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an insulated system for dispensing a one-component polyurethane foam, and more specifically, to a portable and insulated device for storing a plurality of small canisters of one-component polyurethane foam operating in tandem with a handheld dispenser gun. What is contemplated is the use of a handheld insulated box, such as a industrial cooler, or a cardboard box, such as a storage and delivery box with slit openings for operation with flexible fixation straps, used in association with a belt holster with clip-on docketing stations for operation of a plurality of OCF canisters in an insulated environment. To protect from possible blockage of internal sections of a manifold by cooled OCF, different configurations of manifold, such as a C shape or a star shape, are contemplated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael C. Dean, Robert G. Braun, Wesley E. Dils, III
  • Publication number: 20100196178
    Abstract: The invention relates to a metering pump for feeding out viscous materials, which pump comprises a housing having an inlet, connectable to a viscous material source, and an outlet; a valve body of cylindrical basic shape, which is rotatable into at least two positions by means of a drive unit, a first position allowing a flow of the said material from the inlet to the housing and a second position allowing a flow of the said material from the housing to the outlet. The pump also comprises a cylinder device connected to the housing, having a controllable piston intended to achieve the said flow of material, and at least one device for cleaning the metering pump. The said cleaning device comprises at least one nozzle for cleaning agent, disposed in a valve-body-facing part of the piston. The invention also relates to a method for cleaning such a metering pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2007
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Norden Machinery AB
    Inventor: Jan Sjogren
  • Publication number: 20100187259
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing milk-based beverages comprises a milk container (4), a pump (8) for conveying the milk from the milk container (4) to a milk outlet (20), supply means (13, 14) for supplying at least one flavoring agent to the milk and means for mixing the at least one flavoring agent with the milk. To this end, a coolable cabinet (2), into which the milk container (4) can be inserted, is arranged in a housing (1). Via a hose line (7), the milk in the milk container (4) reaches a mixing apparatus (9) in a meterable quantity, conveyed by the pump (8) disposed in the hose line (7). At least one flavoring agent is able to be additionally supplied in a metered manner into the mixing apparatus via the supply means (13, 14), and is able to be mixed with the milk; the mixed beverage thus obtained reaches, via an outlet (20), a vessel (21) which can be provided beneath this outlet (20). Flavored cold milk-based beverages can thereby be produced in an optimal way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: André Lüssi
  • Patent number: 7762431
    Abstract: A refrigerated liquid dispenser is disclosed. The dispenser has a pump configured for being in fluid communication with a source of a liquid product; a dispensing faucet configured for being in fluid communication with the pump, the dispensing faucet including a cold maintenance device located near the distal end of the dispensing faucet and an insulator device disposed adjacent to the cold maintenance device. The cold maintenance device has a distal end that projects beyond a lower surface of the insulator device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Automatic Bar Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Tuyls, Antonio J. Jepson, John Dewing
  • Publication number: 20100176147
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing beverage, comprising a line system and at least one draw-off tap and a connecting head connected to said line system, and a connecting piece provided with means for connection to said connecting head to be connected to a beverage holder, wherein the line system comprises at least a rinsing line and a dispensing line and the connecting head comprises at least a valve device for connecting the dispensing line to, at will: the connecting piece, or at least to a holder, for fluid communication between a holder and the tapping line; or the at least one rising line for fluid communication between the respective rinsing line and the dispensing line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: HEINEKEN SUPPLY CHAIN B.V.
    Inventor: Roelof Anton Segers
  • Publication number: 20100176156
    Abstract: A tapping device, comprising a container with at least one beverage valve and a connecting device for connection to and operation of the beverage valve, wherein cooling means are provided for cooling the connecting device, wherein for instance the container is filled with fermented beverage, in particular beer, and/or the connecting device is at least partly included in a cooled space. A cooling line or cooling jacket is optionally provided around said connecting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: HEINEKEN SUPPLY CHAIN B.V.
    Inventor: Roelof Anton Segers
  • Publication number: 20100170916
    Abstract: A control system for a beverage dispensing apparatus, wherein the beverage dispensing apparatus comprises at least one line system with at least one rising line and a tapping line and at least one holder for beverage, wherein the control system comprises a flow sensor, wherein the control system comprises operating means for switching between a first condition in which beverage can be dispensed from the holder via the tapping line and the rising line is separated from the tapping line and a second condition in which rinsing liquid and/or water can be introduced via the rinsing line into the tapping line and the holder is separated from the tapping line and the rinsing line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: HEINEKEN SUPPLY CHAIN B.V.
    Inventor: Roelof Anton Segers
  • Publication number: 20100163572
    Abstract: There is disclosed a beverage dispenser in which a cooled pre-mixed carbonated beverage, or a carbonated beverage component such as soda water, is dispensed through a delivery valve (2b-5b) into a delivery- tube (2c-5c) leading to a spigot (2d-5d) and wherein a carbonating gas is injected via a gas injection line (12a-12d) into the delivery tube immediately downstream of the delivery valve during dispensing of the carbonated beverage. The carbonating gas may be injected continuously during dispensing of the beverage, or an intermittent cyclic injection of gas may be provided. The gas and beverage flow controls may be arranged so that carbonating gas injection is commenced before dispensing of the beverage commences. In an advantageous embodiment, gas may be injected into the delivery tube after the delivery valve is closed, in order to purge any liquid remaining in the dispensing tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: David Downham
  • Publication number: 20100163575
    Abstract: A feeding system includes a hopper for containing materials therein, a dispensing pipe, a sensor, a scraper, a driving mechanism. The dispensing pipe is connected to the hopper and is configured for dispensing the materials in the hopper to a predetermined position. The sensor is arranged adjacent to the dispensing pipe and is configured for detecting an amount of the materials loaded in the dispensing pipe. The scraper is arranged in the dispensing pipe and is configured for removing the materials remained on the inner wall of the dispensing pipe by scraping the inner wall of the dispensing pipe. The driving mechanism is configured for driving the scraper to rotate in the dispensing pipe and scrape along the inner wall of the dispensing pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHIEN-FENG HUANG
  • Publication number: 20100151083
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing and dispensing a flavored ice beverage and a method of using thereof. The apparatus includes at least one container for holding flavor ingredients, a blending unit including a blender container and a blending mechanism, an ice flakes supplying unit, a mechanism for transferring the flavor ingredients to the blender container and a computerized control unit for controlling one or more aspects of the process of producing the ice beverage. The flavor ingredients can be in grain form, powder form or in liquid form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: NiceVend Ltd.
    Inventors: Niri KLIER, Boaz Granot
  • Patent number: 7736443
    Abstract: In an endoscope washer disinfector, a bath comprises a mounting plane on which an endoscope with a duct is mounted and a wall member. A connector has two ends consisting of one end located to penetrate through the wall member and to be secured watertightly to the wall member. The one end faces an opening of the duct of the endoscope mounted in the bath. The other end is connected to a fluid source storing fluid for washing and disinfecting the endoscope. A nozzle is movable in the connector along an inner passage thereof and moved toward the one end of the connector to protrude from the one end to realize a watertight and detachable connection with the opening of the duct. The fluid is supplied to the duct when the fluid is supplied from the fluid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Hideto Onishi
  • Patent number: 7735687
    Abstract: An object is to smoothly clean a nozzle portion of a beverage dispenser, the beverage dispenser discharges and supplies beverage ingredients from beverage supplying nozzles, and comprises a cleaning device to clean the beverage supplying nozzles, and this cleaning device executes a cleaning operation including: a steam jetting step of jetting high-temperature steam to the beverage supplying nozzles; a water jetting step of jetting water or hot water to the beverage supplying nozzles; and a drying step of drying the surfaces of the beverage supplying nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoto Fukushima, Hiroshi Yamamoto, Takeshi Ishil
  • Patent number: 7717355
    Abstract: A cap is provided for preventing clogging of a spray nozzle on a container. Structurally, the cap includes a hollow, truncated cone-shaped member with first and second ends. At its first end, the cap defines an orifice dimensioned to selectively receive the spray nozzle to create a fluid-tight seal with the container. At its second end, the cap defines a periphery. Further, the cap includes a panel that has a flat surface bounded by a perimeter that is interconnected to the periphery by an intermediate section. As a result, the cone-shaped member, intermediate section and panel form a fluid chamber. Fluid is positioned in the chamber for movement between a first location where the spray nozzle is submerged and a second location where the fluid is held at a distance from the spray nozzle for removal of the cap from the spray nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: John A. Benkovich, III
  • Patent number: 7712631
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing device including a dispense head configured to be placed and secured onto a bottle of liquid in a manner which enables the liquid to be dispensed. The dispense head includes a stopper having gas inlets and a liquid intake tube. A gas intake and a dispense spout are also mounted on the dispense head. A valve assembly allows pressurized gas to be introduced into the dispense head and into the bottle of liquid such that selective channeling of gas or liquid can be controlled to flow through the dispense spout thus enabling either liquid to pour through the spout or gas to clear the spout. A system utilizing this dispense head and a method of dispensing liquid using this head are possible with this device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Napa Technology
    Inventors: Morris Taradalsky, Ross Rittiman, Edward A. Vetter, Benjamin M. Gallant
  • Publication number: 20100108180
    Abstract: A method of treating a beverage bottle filling machine in a beverage bottling plant, method of cleaning a container filling machine in a container filling plant, and arrangements therefor. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Ludwig CLÜSSERATH