Comestible fluid dispensing apparatus and method
First Claim
1. A method of dispensing comestible fluid from a comestible fluid dispensing apparatus, comprising:
- moving the comestible fluid in the comestible fluid dispensing apparatus adjacent a temperature sensor;
sensing the temperature of the comestible fluid with the temperature sensor;
actuating a valve in the comestible fluid dispensing apparatus to open when the temperature of the comestible fluid reaches a first temperature;
purging the comestible fluid from the comestible fluid dispensing apparatus via the valve;
actuating the valve to close to cease purging the comestible fluid from the comestible fluid dispensing apparatus responsive to comestible fluid adjacent to the temperature sensor reaching a second temperature different than the first temperature; and
dispensing comestible fluid from the comestible fluid dispensing apparatus.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Preferred embodiments of the 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 comestible fluid temperature control, heat exchangers cooling comestible fluid in the nozzles, an ultraviolet sterilization system for sterilizing interior and exterior system locations, and a hand held comestible fluid dispenser capable of cooling and selectively dispensing one of several comestible fluids. Fluid pressure and velocity can be reduced for improved dispensing by a valve movable through a number of closed positions and/or by a diffuser in the nozzle. A purging and priming valve assembly with or without associated sensors can be employed for manual or automatic system purging and priming and for fluid temperature control.
243 Citations
49 Claims
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1. A method of dispensing comestible fluid from a comestible fluid dispensing apparatus, comprising:
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moving the comestible fluid in the comestible fluid dispensing apparatus adjacent a temperature sensor;
sensing the temperature of the comestible fluid with the temperature sensor;
actuating a valve in the comestible fluid dispensing apparatus to open when the temperature of the comestible fluid reaches a first temperature;
purging the comestible fluid from the comestible fluid dispensing apparatus via the valve;
actuating the valve to close to cease purging the comestible fluid from the comestible fluid dispensing apparatus responsive to comestible fluid adjacent to the temperature sensor reaching a second temperature different than the first temperature; and
dispensing comestible fluid from the comestible fluid dispensing apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of dispensing comestible fluid from a comestible fluid dispensing apparatus, comprising:
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moving comestible fluid through a fluid line past a sensor of the comestible fluid dispensing apparatus, the sensor positioned to detect at least one of air and gas in the fluid line;
detecting at least one of air and gas in the fluid line with the sensor;
actuating a valve of the comestible fluid dispensing apparatus to an open position responsive to detection of at least one of air and gas in the fluid line by the sensor;
purging at least one of air and gas from the comestible fluid dispensing apparatus via the valve; and
dispensing comestible fluid from the comestible fluid dispensing apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A comestible fluid dispensing apparatus for dispensing and purging a comestible fluid, the apparatus comprising:
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a fluid line through which comestible fluid passes in the comestible fluid dispensing apparatus;
a temperature sensor positioned to sense comestible fluid temperature in the fluid line; and
at least one valve in fluid communication with the fluid line, the at least one valve actuatable to open and to close responsive to at least one temperature detected by the temperature sensor. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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36. A comestible fluid dispensing apparatus for dispensing comestible fluid, the apparatus comprising:
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a fluid line through which comestible fluid passes in the comestible fluid dispensing apparatus;
a sensor positioned to detect at least one of air and gas in the fluid line; and
at least one valve in fluid communication with the fluid line and actuatable responsive to detection of at least one of air and gas in the fluid line by the sensor. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48)
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49. An apparatus for dispensing and purging comestible fluid, the apparatus comprising:
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a fluid line through which comestible fluid moves in the apparatus;
a dispensing nozzle having an outlet through which comestible fluid is dispensed from the apparatus;
a sensor positioned to sense a property of the comestible fluid in the fluid line; and
a valve in fluid communication with the fluid line and actuatable to open and to close responsive to detection of at least one value of the property by the sensor.
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Specification